CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER: PROCESS ESSAY

Chronos is a Greek word meaning time. Chronological order is a way of organizing ideas in
the order of their occurrence in time. We use it to tell stories, to relate historical events, and to
write biographies and autobiographies. We also use it to explain processes and procedures. For
example, we would use chronological order to explain how to take a photograph, how to make
a piece of pottery, how to perform a chemistry experiment, or how to set up an accounting
system. Such essays are called "how to" essays, or process essays.
Read the following model and answer the questions!
Successful Exercise

1 Regular exercise is something like the weather—we all talk about it, but we tend not to do
anything about it. Exercise classes on television and exercise programs on DVDs— as well as
instructions in books, magazines, and pamphlets—now make it easy to have a low-cost
personal exercise program without leaving home. However, for success in
exercise, you should follow a simple plan consisting of arranging time, making preparations,
and starting off at a sensible pace.
2 Everyone has an excuse for not exercising: a heavy schedule at work or school; being rushed
in the morning and exhausted at night; too many other responsibilities. However, one solution
is simply to get up half an hour earlier in the morning. Look at it this way: if
you’re already getting up too early, what’s an extra half hour? Of course, that time could be
cut to fifteen minutes earlier if you could lay out your clothes, set the breakfast table, fill the
coffeemaker, and gather your books and materials for the next day before you go to bed.
3 Next, prepare for your exercise session. To begin with, get yourself ready by not eating or
drinking anything before exercising. Why risk an upset stomach? Then, dress comfortably in
something that allows you to move freely. Since you’ll be in your own home, there’s no need
to invest in a high-fashion dance costume. A loose T-shirt and shorts are good. A bathing suit
is great in summer, and in winter long underwear is warm and comfortable. If your hair tends
to flop in your eyes, pin it back or wear a headband or scarf. Prepare the exercise area, too.
Turn off the phone and lock the door to prevent interruptions. Shove the coffee table out of the
way so you won’t bruise yourself on it or other furniture. Then get out the simple materials
you’ll need to exercise with.
4 Finally, use common sense in getting started. Common sense isn’t so common, as anyone
who reads the newspapers and watches the world can tell you. If this is your first attempt at
exercising, begin slowly. You do not need to do each movement the full number of times at
first, but you should try each one. After five or six sessions, you should be able to do each one
the full number of times. Try to move in a smooth, rhythmic way; this will help prevent injuries
and pulled muscles. Pretend you’re a dancer and make each move graceful, even if it’s just
getting up off the floor. After the last exercise, give yourself five minutes to relax and cool
off—you have earned it. Finally, put those sore muscles under a hot shower and get ready for
a great day.
5 Establishing an exercise program isn’t difficult, but it can’t be achieved by reading about it,
talking about it, or watching models exercise on television. It happens only when you get off
that couch and do something about it. As my doctor likes to say, “If you don’t
use it, you’ll lose it.
Question
The body paragraphs lack of topic sentences. Revise them!
There is a sentence that needs to be followed by more supporting details in third paragraph.
Find it and add more sentences!
The fourth paragraph contains unnecessary words. Omit them!
Identity the transition words!

THREE KEYS TO ORGANIZE A PROCESS ESSAY

1. Discuss the steps in your process in the order in which they occur. Divide the steps into
separate paragraphs.
2. Write a thesis statement that names the process and indicates time order.
3. Use chronological order signal words and phrases to indicate the time sequence.

WRITING THE THESIS STATEMENT

A thesis statement for a process essay in some way indicates the time order. Expressions such
as the process of, the procedure for, plan, develop, evolve, five stages, and several phases
indicate that time order will be used. Here are some examples:
Follow these steps to make a beautiful ceramic vase for your home.
The field of genetic engineering has developed rapidly in the past 10 years.
A child learns to share over a period of time.
Heating water by solar radiation is a simple process.
Sometimes the thesis statement tells the number of steps in the process.
The process of heating water by solar radiation involves three main steps.
The thesis statement may even name the steps.
The main steps in the process of heating water by solar radiation are (1) trapping
the sun's energy, (2) heating and storing the hot water, and (3) distributing the hot
water to its points of use.
 A. Step 1 Check (√) the thesis statements that suggest a chronological order. Put a double
check (√√) next to the thesis statements that suggest the essay will describe a process
or procedure.
Step 2 in the sentences you have checked, circle the word or words that
indicate chronological order.
1. _____________A child learns to handle responsibility in a series of small steps
2. _____________Person's intelligence is the product of both heredity and
environment.
3. _____________There are two main reasons I believe women in the army should
not be allowed in a war zone along with men.
4. _____________The procedure for submitting expense reports has recently
changed.
5. _____________The tensions that led to last year's student riots had been developing
for several years.
6. _____________North American directness often conflicts with Asian modesty.
7. _____________The two busiest travel days in the United States are the-Wednesday
before and the Sunday after Thanksgiving.
8. _____________Cultures celebrate the end of winter and the arrival of spring in
different ways.
9. _____________The preparation of the poisonous puffer fish for eating is a delicate
process that is not for amateur chefs.
10. _____________The life cycle of the monarch butterfly is an interesting
phenomenon.

B. Write a thesis statement for a process essay on five of the following topics.
1. How to take a good photograph.
2. How to research a topic for an essay
3. How to be a good student
4. How to spend a perfect day

TRANSITION SIGNALS FOR CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER

Chronological order signal words are especially important in a process essay. You have to be
very clear about the sequence of steps: Does one step happen before, after, or at the same time
as another step? Chronological order signals include all time expression.
Fill in each blank with an appropriate chronological order signal from the list provided. Use each
signal only once.

as soon as the lesson begins when you return when he or she asks you
in conclusion first to speak up
in the next few minutes finally second
then a third time before you sit down
next

How to Annoy a Teacher

It is quite easy to annoy a teacher-even the most patient, kind-hearted teacher in the
world-if you follow these simple steps. (1) _______________ always come to class just a
little late. (2) ______________ make as much noise as possible as you enter the room. (3)
__________ greet all your friends with a cheerful wave or even better, with a shouted
greeting. (4)___________ slam your heavy backpack down on the floor next to your desk and
do a few stretching exercises. (After all, you will be sitting still for the next 40 minutes or
so!) (5)___________ make a big, gaping l yawn and take your seat.
(6)__________________ raise your hand and ask to be excused to go to the
restroom. (7) ______________ be sure to slam the door, and again, make as much noise as
possible while taking your seat. (8) ___________________ turn the pages of your book
noisily, search in your backpack for a pencil, ask your neighbor if you can borrow an eraser,
and announce in a loud voice that you cannot find your homework. (9) _______________
raise your hand and ask to be excused to look for it in your locker.
If the teacher should happen to calion you during the class, mumble an answer. (10)
____________ mumble again-maybe a little louder this time, but still not loudly enough to be
heard. If the teacher dares to ask you (11)____________ give a loud and clear answer to the
previous question-the one your classmate answered a minute ago-and smile smugly as you do
so.
(12)__________ if these techniques do not achieve the desired results, you can always
fold your arms across your desk, put your head down, and take a nap. Just do not forget to
snore!

EXERCISE
A. Prewriting
- Brainstorm by listing ideas or free-writing the topics you have developed in the
previous exercise
- Group the item you select into several steps.
B. Develop a single clear sentence that will serve as your thesis. Your thesis can either (a)
state your opinion about this process or (b) say it is important that your readers know
about this process.
C. Make an outline
D. Write the first rough draft.